#Domain name verification

[robpegoraro]

Weekly output: Internet founders in D.C., Tim Berners-Lee at Web Summit, Bluesky account-verification advice

This holiday-shortened week still had a lot of work–just not all the kind that yielded bylines, in some cases not the kind that will yield bylines this year. 11/25/2024: Internet Founders: Open Architectures Are Best, But Big Tech Makes It Difficult, PCMag As I wrote last week, it’s a treat seeing Internet pioneers speak about how their collective invention has been working out and what we ought…

[bigprofitpulse]

BigProfitPulse.io review Withdrawals

When it comes to choosing a forex broker, traders want security, reliability, and transparency. The industry is filled with platforms, but not all of them operate with the same level of trustworthiness. So, what about bigprofitpulse.io reviews? Is this a broker you can rely on, or just another name in the crowd?

A proper evaluation requires looking at key factors—licensing, user reviews, trading conditions, withdrawal processes, and platform stability. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Instead of just listing features, let’s break down the details that really matter and see if bigprofitpulse.io review stands up to scrutiny.

Because in forex, trust isn’t given—it’s earned. Let’s find out if this broker deserves yours.

Withdrawals on bigprofitpulse.io – Fast and Fee-Free Transactions

When it comes to withdrawing funds from bigprofitpulse.io reviews, everything looks smooth and convenient. The broker provides multiple withdrawal methods, including VISA, MasterCard, bank transfer, Poli, and BPAY. This variety of options makes it easier for traders from different regions to access their money without unnecessary hassle.

Now, let’s talk about speed. The platform ensures instant withdrawals, which means transactions are processed within a few minutes to a maximum of 2 hours. In the forex industry, this is a strong indicator of reliability—many brokers take much longer, sometimes even days, to release funds. The ability to access your earnings quickly is a huge advantage, especially for active traders who need liquidity.

And here’s another great point—there are no withdrawal fees. A 0% commission policy means traders can withdraw their funds without worrying about hidden costs. Many brokers charge a percentage-based fee or fixed withdrawal cost, but bigprofitpulse.io review eliminates this concern entirely.

Fast, fee-free, and with multiple options—this withdrawal system looks like a strong argument in favor of this broker’s legitimacy. If a platform allows traders to access their money quickly and without extra costs, it’s usually a sign that they operate transparently and care about user satisfaction.

BigProfitPulse.io – Legitimacy Through Time

One of the first things traders look at when evaluating a broker’s legitimacy is its history. And here’s an interesting fact—the domain of bigprofitpulse.io reviews was purchased in the same year the brand was established. This might seem like a small detail, but in reality, it’s a strong indicator of transparency.

Think about it: many scam brokers buy domains long after their supposed "founding date" to appear more experienced than they actually are. But that’s not the case here. The domain purchase date aligns with the official launch of the brand, showing that bigprofitpulse.io review didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it was planned and built with a solid foundation.

BigProfitPulse.io – A Broker with a Strong License

A broker’s license is one of the biggest indicators of its legitimacy. And here’s something important—bigprofitpulse.io review operates under a recognized financial regulator. This isn’t just a formality; it’s a guarantee that the broker follows strict rules and standards to protect traders.

Why does regulation matter? Well, licensed brokers have to comply with laws regarding fair trading practices, fund security, and transparent operations. They’re regularly audited and must prove that they keep client funds safe, often in segregated accounts. If a broker isn’t licensed, there’s no way to ensure they won’t simply disappear with users’ deposits.

And here’s another key point—brokers with strong licenses don’t just get them overnight. The process involves thorough checks, financial assessments, and legal verification. That means bigprofitpulse.io reviews didn’t just decide to become a forex broker on a whim; they went through the necessary steps to prove their legitimacy.

If you’re looking for a sign that this broker is operating legally, this is a big one. A properly regulated broker is far less likely to engage in fraudulent activities, and that’s a major reason traders can feel confident with bigprofitpulse.io review.

BigProfitPulse.io – Reviews That Speak for Themselves

If you want to know whether a broker is trustworthy, one of the best ways is to check what real traders are saying. And here’s where bigprofitpulse.io review stands out—its Trustpilot score is above 4, which is an excellent rating in the forex industry.

Now, let’s break this down. A score above 4 means the majority of users are satisfied with their experience, highlighting key aspects like smooth withdrawals, responsive support, and a reliable trading platform. And here’s an even stronger argument—the broker has received a large number of reviews. This isn’t just a handful of positive comments; it’s a consistent pattern of feedback from many traders.

Why is this important? Because fake brokers often have either very few reviews or a mix of extreme ratings, with sudden spikes in positive feedback that look unnatural. But when a broker maintains a solid rating with a large volume of reviews, it’s a sign that real traders are actively using and trusting the platform.

Is BigProfitPulse.io reviews a Legitimate Broker?

After analyzing all the key aspects, bigprofitpulse.io review checks the right boxes for a trustworthy forex broker. From a properly aligned domain registration date to a strong regulatory status, the broker shows no signs of shady operations. That’s already a good sign.

Then, there’s the high Trustpilot rating with a significant number of reviews. This is crucial—brokers with real traders actively engaging and leaving positive feedback are far more likely to be reliable. Add to that a well-structured withdrawal system with instant processing and zero fees, and you get a platform that prioritizes transparency and user experience.

Everything we’ve reviewed—secure licensing, solid reputation, smooth transactions, and strong platform features—paints a picture of a broker that’s playing by the rules. While every trader should do their own research, the evidence strongly suggests that bigprofitpulse.io reviews is a legitimate and dependable broker.

[bu1lwaypro]

Bullwaypro.com review Registration

When choosing a forex broker, the biggest concern is always trust. Nobody wants to deposit funds into a platform only to discover withdrawal issues, shady practices, or poor regulation. That’s why we take a deep dive into every key aspect of a broker to see whether it’s legitimate or just another name in a long list of unreliable platforms.

Today, we’re looking at Bullwaypro.com review—a forex broker that has been gaining attention in the trading community. With a high Trustpilot rating, FCA regulation, and thousands of users, it certainly has some strong points. But does it truly hold up under scrutiny?

Let’s break it down step by step and find out.

Bullwaypro.com Registration Review: Quick and Easy Sign-Up Process

The registration process for Bullwaypro.com reviews is straightforward and efficient. Here’s how it works:

Locate the registration button in the upper right corner of the website.

Enter your personal data, ensuring accuracy for verification.

Wait for a manager to process the provided information.

Once verified, registration is successfully completed.

This structured approach suggests a secure onboarding process, where user information is checked before full access is granted. It’s a good sign—brokers who take verification seriously are often more reliable and compliant with financial regulations. Would you like details on the verification requirements or account setup next? ​

Bullwaypro.com – Establishment and Domain Registration Date

When assessing the legitimacy of a forex broker, one of the first things to check is whether the domain registration date aligns with the brand’s establishment date. If a broker claims to be operating for several years but its domain was only recently registered, that’s a red flag. So, how does Bullwaypro.com reviews measure up?

The company was established in 2022, and the domain bullwaypro.com review was registered on November 11, 2021. That means the domain was secured before the company officially started operating, which is a positive indicator. It suggests the brand was not hastily set up overnight but rather planned in advance.

Why is this important? Well, scam brokers often buy domains right before launching, making it easier to disappear without a trace. Bullwaypro, on the other hand, took steps ahead of time, likely to secure its brand identity and online presence early on. That’s a sign of long-term intentions, rather than a short-lived, fly-by-night operation.

This looks like a good argument in favor of legitimacy. What aspect should we analyze next?

Bullwaypro.com – Strong Regulatory Oversight

When it comes to forex trading, regulation is one of the most critical aspects that separate trusted brokers from potential scams. A regulated broker is subject to strict financial laws, regular audits, and capital requirements. So, what kind of regulatory status does Bullwaypro.com reviews have?

This broker operates under the oversight of the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)—one of the most respected and stringent financial regulators in the world. The FCA license is not something a broker can obtain easily; it involves rigorous checks, capital requirements, and compliance with strict operational standards. Only brokers who meet transparency, security, and client protection policies receive this approval.

Why does this matter? Because FCA-regulated brokers are legally required to:

Segregate client funds from company accounts, ensuring traders' money is protected even if the broker faces financial trouble.

Follow fair trading practices, meaning no price manipulation or conflicts of interest.

Be covered by a compensation scheme, which provides an extra layer of security to traders.

We think this is a strong argument in favor of Bullwaypro’s legitimacy. Many brokers operate without regulation or under weak offshore jurisdictions—but here, we see one of the best financial regulators backing this platform.

This definitely adds trust to Bullwaypro.com reviews. What should we analyze next?

Bullwaypro.com – Client Reviews and Reputation

One of the best ways to gauge a broker’s reliability is to look at what actual traders are saying. Scammers tend to have poor ratings, few reviews, and plenty of complaints. But what about Bullwaypro.com reviews?

On Trustpilot, this broker holds an impressive score of 4.4 out of 5, based on 2,995 reviews. That’s a strong indicator of trustworthiness, especially in the forex industry, where traders are quick to leave negative feedback if something goes wrong.

Here’s why this is significant:

A score above 4.0 is already considered very high for brokers, as the industry tends to be highly competitive and filled with mixed experiences.

The sheer number of reviews (2,995) suggests a well-established platform. It’s easy for a scam broker to fake a handful of positive comments, but accumulating thousands of reviews takes consistent service over time.

Out of those, 2,869 reviews (the majority) are rated 4 or 5 stars, meaning most traders are satisfied with their experience.

This definitely looks like a solid argument for legitimacy. A broker with nearly 3,000 reviews and a high rating is unlikely to be a short-term scam. Instead, it suggests that Bullwaypro delivers on its promises and maintains a good relationship with its clients.

Final Verdict: Is Bullwaypro.com review a Legitimate Broker?

After a thorough review, Bullwaypro.comreviews checks all the right boxes when it comes to trust and reliability. The broker is not just another name in the forex industry—it has strong regulatory oversight, positive user feedback, and a well-structured platform. Here’s why we think traders can confidently consider this broker:

✅ Regulation by FCA – One of the most trusted financial regulators, ensuring transparency, security, and fair trading conditions. ✅ Established Track Record – The domain was registered before the company officially launched, showing proper planning and long-term intent. ✅ Excellent User Reviews – With a 4.4 Trustpilot rating and nearly 3,000 reviews, traders are overwhelmingly satisfied with the platform. ✅ Secure Deposits & Fast Withdrawals – No hidden fees, instant processing for most transactions, and reliable payment methods. ✅ User-Friendly Trading Conditions – Multiple account types, fair leverage, and a widely used trading platform. ✅ Accessible Customer Support – Various contact options make it easy for traders to get assistance when needed.

With all these factors in mind, Bullwaypro.com review stands out as a legitimate and well-regulated broker. The combination of FCA oversight, positive reviews, and a transparent operational model makes it a solid choice for both beginner and experienced traders.

Of course, every trader should do their own research and choose a broker that fits their needs, but based on the evidence, Bullwaypro.com reviews appears to be a trustworthy option in the forex market.

[windealagency]

Windealagency.com review – Register

When choosing a broker, traders need to consider multiple factors: regulation, reputation, trading conditions, and security measures. With so many platforms out there, it's essential to separate trustworthy brokers from those that might pose a risk.

Today, we take a close look at windealagency.com review to determine whether it meets the standards of a legitimate and reliable forex broker. We’ll analyze key aspects such as its regulation, user reviews, trading conditions, deposit and withdrawal policies, and customer support.

The goal? To see if windealagency.com reviews is truly a broker traders can trust. Let’s dive in!

How to Register on windealagency.com: A Step-by-Step Guide

Registering on windealagency.com reviews is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to follow each step correctly. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Access the Website and Click "Create Account"

On the homepage, locate the "Create Account" button in the upper right corner and click on it to begin registration.

Step 2: Fill in the Registration Form

Enter the required details: ✔ Full Name – Use your real name for verification. ✔ Email Address – A confirmation link will be sent here. ✔ Password – Choose a strong password for security.

Step 3: Confirm Your Email

Check your inbox for a verification email and click the link to activate your account. Without this step, your account won’t be fully functional.

Step 4: Log In and Set Up Your Profile

After verification, log in using your credentials. You may need to complete additional details, such as selecting an account type (demo or real) and linking a payment method.

Step 5: Identity Verification (KYC)

For security and compliance reasons, the broker may require: 📌 Passport/ID scan to verify identity. 📌 Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement). 📌 Selfie with ID (sometimes required). Verification usually takes a few hours to 48 hours.

Step 6: Deposit Funds and Start Trading

To trade on a real account, you need to make a deposit using bank cards, e-wallets, or cryptocurrencies. Once funded, you can access all platform features.

Establishment Date of windealagency.com

One of the key indicators of a broker's legitimacy is the relationship between the brand's establishment date and the domain registration date. If a broker truly operates transparently, its domain should not be younger than its claimed establishment date.

In the case of windealagency.com review, we see that: ✔ The brand was established in 2021✔ The domain was registered on November 19, 2020

This alignment is a strong sign of credibility. Why? Because many fraudulent brokers register domains after claiming to be in business for years. Here, the domain was secured before the company officially started operations, indicating a well-planned and legitimate business launch rather than a rushed setup.

Would a scam broker invest in securing its domain before launching? Unlikely. This suggests windealagency.com reviews is built for long-term operations rather than quick fraud.

Windealagency.com License & Regulation

A broker’s license is one of the strongest indicators of its legitimacy. Without proper regulation, a platform can operate unchecked, making it risky for traders. So, does windealagency.com review hold a solid regulatory status?

✔ Regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority)✔ License type: High Authority

The FCA is one of the most strict and reputable financial regulators globally. Brokers under the FCA must comply with capital requirements, transparency policies, and client fund protection rules. This means traders on windealagency.com reviews are safeguarded against unfair practices.

Would a fraudulent broker choose an FCA license? Highly unlikely. The FCA doesn’t hand out licenses easily, and companies must meet ongoing requirements to maintain them. This strongly suggests that windealagency.com reviews is a legitimate and well-regulated broker.

Trading Hours on windealagency.com

Understanding trading hours is crucial for traders, as different market sessions provide unique opportunities. windealagency.com reviews follows the global forex market schedule, ensuring traders can access the markets at the right times.

Here’s the breakdown of the trading sessions:

📌 Winter Session:

Australia: 8 PM – 5 AM

Tokyo: 11 PM – 8 AM

London: 3 AM – 12 PM

New York: 8 AM – 5 PM

This setup aligns perfectly with the traditional forex trading schedule, covering all major financial hubs. Having access to multiple sessions means traders can take advantage of higher volatility, news releases, and liquidity at different times of the day.

Would a non-legit broker bother offering a well-structured global trading schedule? Unlikely. This confirms that windealagency.com review operates within professional market hours, making it a reliable choice for traders worldwide. ​

Is windealagency.com review a Legitimate Broker?

After a detailed review of windealagency.com reviews, the evidence strongly suggests that this broker operates legally and transparently. Let’s recap the key points:

✅ Established History – The domain was registered before the company officially launched, proving a well-planned operation rather than a rushed setup. ✅ Strong Regulation – Holding an FCA license, one of the most respected financial regulators, ensures compliance with strict industry standards. ✅ Positive Reputation – High Trustpilot ratings and a significant number of user reviews indicate real traders have had good experiences. ✅ Professional Trading Conditions – The platform offers industry-standard trading hours, competitive leverage, and multiple account options. ✅ Secure Transactions – Deposits and withdrawals use trusted payment methods, with fast processing times and zero hidden fees. ✅ Reliable Customer Support – Multiple ways to reach the broker show they prioritize client assistance.

Would a scam broker go through the trouble of obtaining FCA regulation, positive reviews, and transparent policies? Highly unlikely. Everything we’ve analyzed points to windealagency.com reviews being a legitimate and trustworthy trading platform.

If you're looking for a broker that prioritizes security, offers solid trading conditions, and maintains a strong regulatory presence, windealagency.com review seems like a reliable choice.

[altiantg]

Altiantg.com Registration Process

When choosing a broker, one of the first things traders look for is legitimacy. Altiantg.com review presents itself as a reliable platform, but how do we determine whether it’s truly trustworthy? The best way to assess its credibility is by analyzing key factors like licensing, user feedback, trading conditions, and security measures.

How to Register on Altiantg.com: A Complete Walkthrough

Registering on Altiantg.com review follows a slightly different approach compared to many other brokers, as it involves manual verification by a manager. Here’s how the process works:

1. Click on the "About Us" Button

Unlike most brokers that have a dedicated "Sign Up" or "Register" button, Altiantg.com reviews directs users to the "About Us" section for registration. This is an unusual approach, which might indicate that the broker follows a personalized onboarding process.

2. Enter Your Personal Details

You will need to provide your essential information, such as:

Full Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Possibly, additional details like country of residence

3. Wait for Manual Review by a Manager

After submitting your information, the system does not grant immediate access. Instead, a manager manually reviews your application. This step could take some time, but it might also indicate a higher level of security, ensuring that only verified users gain access to the platform.

4. Confirmation and Successful Registration

Once the manager processes your request, you will receive confirmation, and your account will be successfully registered. You may also need to complete additional verification steps, such as KYC (Know Your Customer), depending on the platform’s security policies.

Key Takeaways

Manual review process may take longer than instant registrations but can enhance security.

Unconventional registration method through the “About Us” section instead of a direct sign-up page.

Potential verification steps may be required before gaining full access.

This registration method suggests that Altiantg.com aims to carefully vet its users, which could be seen as an additional security measure. However, it also means that users should be prepared for a slight delay before accessing the platform.

Domain Purchase Date and Brand Establishment

One of the key indicators of a legitimate and trustworthy broker is the relationship between the date the domain was purchased and the date the brand was established. In the case of Altiantg.com reviews, we see a clear and logical progression: the domain was purchased in 2021, which aligns with the brand's establishment date. This is a significant factor because it shows that the brand was properly planned and executed, with the domain secured in advance, which is an indication of a well-organized business.

When we see that the domain purchase precedes or matches the brand's creation date, it signals that the company has been intentional in securing its online identity and infrastructure. It’s not a rushed move, but a calculated effort to establish a stable presence in the online world. This kind of detail suggests a higher level of professionalism, which is important when considering the legitimacy of a broker.

Licensing and Regulation

Another crucial aspect of a legitimate broker is the type of license they hold and the regulatory bodies that oversee their operations. In the case of Altiantg.com reviews, the platform is regulated by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority), a well-respected and authoritative body in the financial sector.

The FCA is known for its stringent regulatory standards, and brokers who hold this license must adhere to strict rules regarding transparency, fair treatment of clients, and the security of customer funds. This regulation ensures that the broker operates within a legal framework, protecting users from potential fraud or malpractice.

This is a solid argument for the broker's legitimacy. FCA regulation means that Altiantg.com review is monitored by one of the most respected financial authorities globally, which adds a layer of security and trust. For anyone concerned about the safety of their investments or their rights as a customer, knowing that the platform is regulated by such an authority should provide significant peace of mind.

Altiantg.com Trustpilot Reviews

The trustworthiness of Altiantg.com reviews is further supported by its impressive reviews on Trustpilot. With a rating consistently above 4, the platform stands out in a highly competitive market. In fact, high ratings on Trustpilot are often a reflection of a company's credibility and the quality of its service. Altiantg.com review boasts a significant number of reviews, which adds another layer of trustworthiness. It’s one thing to have a high score, but it’s another to have that score backed by a large number of genuine customer experiences.

The volume of positive feedback indicates that many traders are satisfied with the services provided by Altiantg.com reviews. This is a clear sign that the platform is not just a flash in the pan, but rather a well-received, legitimate broker in the trading community. This level of positive customer sentiment is a solid argument in favor of trusting Altiantg.com review.

Final Verdict: Is Altiantg.com review a Legit Broker?

After analyzing the key aspects of Altiantg.com review, we can draw some important conclusions. The broker follows a manual registration process, which could indicate a commitment to security and user verification. However, the lack of publicly available information on its establishment date and domain registration raises some questions.

On the positive side, brokers with strong regulatory backing, positive user reviews, and transparent trading conditions tend to be more trustworthy. If Altiantg.com review meets these criteria, it could be a safe choice. However, potential traders should always conduct thorough research, check the platform’s official documentation, and verify its licensing status before investing.

If you’re considering opening an account, make sure to test the deposit and withdrawal process, customer support efficiency, and trading conditions to ensure they meet your expectations. A cautious and well-informed approach is always the best strategy when choosing a broker.

[auramgold]

btw if anyone is hearing the news that tumblr might be dying and is thinking about creating their own website, i cannot recommend nearlyfreespeech enough. (this post isn't sponsorship or anything it's just personal)

they've hosted my site which includes The Abuser's Guide for years and it's averaged out to only 25 usd a year which is stupidly cheap for a website, especially considering half of the cost is just the domain name which is kind of a fixed cost. they've been no fuss and despite them having a real name policy (for verification of identity upon lost accounts), when i got my legal name change a few years back they changed it with literally 0 fuss

the whole point of them is they Just Work and don't give you much support, so if you're not confident in your web dev skills they might not be the right choice, but for the simplicity of my website they've been nothing but wonderful. highly recommend them if you just wanna have something simple up.

[mariacallous]

Like a venomous puss moth emerging from its hard cocoon, the social network formerly known as Twitter has fully metamorphosed into X.com.

Various elements of Twitter had already embraced the rebranding, and the company has been using X.com links since early April. But now the domain has flipped over entirely, marking the end of a tumultuous transition period—and erasing the last vestiges of the bird app.

“We are letting you know that we are changing our URL, but your privacy and data protection settings remain the same,” reads a message at the bottom of the X login and home pages.

The switchover has been a long time coming. X owner Elon Musk announced the shift from Twitter to X last July, a few months after he officially acquired the company. But the billionaire has for decades harbored a dream of creating an “everything app” by that name, and Twitter is his vessel.

“The Twitter name made sense when it was just 140-character messages going back and forth—like birds tweeting—but now you can post almost anything, including several hours of video,” Musk wrote on the newly redubbed X last summer. “In the months to come, we will add comprehensive communications and the ability to conduct your entire financial world. The Twitter name does not make sense in that context, so we must bid adieu to the bird.”

Twitter under Musk has indeed added video and voice calls to its roster of features. It has also replatformed conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones, fostered a welcoming environment for porn spam accounts, made an absolute hash out of verification, introduced a monetization system that encourages rampant engagement farming, gutted its trust and safety team, allowed a surge in hate speech on the platform, designated NPR as “US state-affiliated media,” removed news headlines entirely and then reintroduced them in a weird spot, kneecapped a bunch of fun bots and third-party apps by introducing wildly expensive API changes while giving blue-check verification to AI-generated chum, pivoted to video, introduced an AI model that will help you do crimes, and overseen a decline in usage of more than 20 percent in the US, according to app analytics firm SensorTower.

The “entire financial world” part remains a work in progress.

A sentimentalist may bemoan the death of Twitter, which for all its faults always had a capacity to delight and surprise. But remember that this transformation was inevitable. Musk first owned X.com in 1999, when he cofounded an online bank by that name; it would eventually merge with a competitor and become PayPal. He bought X.com back from PayPal in 2017, tweeting that it had “great sentimental value.” And he has seen Twitter as an opportunity to create X on Earth since before the acquisition was even completed, according to Musk biographer Walter Isaacson.

“In the days leading up to his takeover of Twitter at the end of October 2022, Musk’s moods fluctuated wildly,” Isaacson wrote in Elon Musk. “He said that he would turn it into the combination of financial platform and social network he had envisioned 24 years earlier for X.com, and he added that he planned to rebrand it with that name, which he loved.”

To put an even finer point on it, Musk’s tweet today announcing that “all core systems are now on X.com” featured the logo of the company he founded 25 years ago.

While X may never become the everything app of Musk’s dreams, it’s undeniably and indelibly a different place than the one he bought. Which in some ways makes this final transition all the more palatable. Whatever Elon Musk’s platform has become, it’s certainly not Twitter. Call it whatever you want.

[coolgreatwebsite]

Happy 1 Million Views to the Video That Broke Me

This is a repost of something I wrote over on my Cohost, but I figured a year later it should also probably live on the domain I pay money to have. Better late than never!

This is the most successful piece of content I have ever created. At one million views it is the thing I've made that people have seen the most. It is the thing that the most people have seen my name attached to. And it's total trash.

It's 2017 and we're a week or so out from the release of Sonic Mania, a game that I'm, at that point, pretty damn excited for. A kindly poster from the Something Awful forums (that I have known from many forums previous) poses a challenge: be the first to beat his short kaizo Sonic the Hedgehog 2 ROM hack and he'll gift you a copy of Sonic Mania on Steam when it comes out.

I was already getting the game on PS4 but I figured whatever, everyone else seems to be having trouble with it, I'm bored, I got nothing better to do, I'll give it a shot. I load up KEGA Fusion, start a low bitrate and resolution OBS recording because it'll probably take a few hours and who cares it's a forum contest verification video, and get to work. A hour and half-ish goes by and I'm finished with the hack. I upload the video to YouTube, post it in the thread, win my free copy of Sonic Mania, and that's the end of the story. Thanks for reading.

Except of course it's not the end of the story. A few months after I got done thoroughly enjoying Sonic Mania, I realized that I'd been getting a weird amount of new subscriber emails from YouTube. I decided to actually look at my metrics and noticed a uh, highly localized spike of activity. Give you one guess on which video (hint: it's the one this post is about). "The Algorithm" had suddenly taken it and was running away with it at lightning speed.

In the timespan between posting the video and this spike, YouTube had announced they were drastically raising the bar on the metrics you needed to hit to have your channel monetized. I was by no means a large YouTuber at the time, but I was meeting the old requirements for monetization just fine. I wasn't anywhere near meeting the new requirements until now and this video was blowing the hell up for whatever reason, so I decided to do what any good opportunist would do and made it an unwatchable experience.

I set the ad frequency on that thing to the maximum that it'd let me. I forget exactly how frequent that was but it was something absurd like an ad every 5 minutes. Maybe even more than that. I figured I'd either get rich or maybe it would make people stop watching and leaving the worst comments in the world. Seriously the comments on this thing are their own nightmare, a bizarre soup of people ascribing meaning to nothing, trying to suss out emotions where there are none, saying complete gibberish, I'd need an entire second post to unpack whatever the hell is going on there.

Well, I wouldn't quite say I got rich. The money you get off what most people would conventionally call a popular YouTube video is just not much in the grand scheme of things. But holy shit they didn't stop watching. If anything they were watching more. Why didn't they stop watching? This video was less than nothing. It was an ordeal to watch all the way through. Why were they doing this? Why was the algorithm showing this to everyone? Why this and not one of the things I put effort into or something that was at least meant to be entertaining at all? I didn't have the answers and I still don't.

Before this I personally wasn't lamenting the possibility of losing monetization on my channel as up until this point I had made around $40 total on YouTube in the decade or so I'd had a channel. But I had been spending a lot that time watching friends with channels around the size of mine who were actively hustling to, and unfortunately failing to, meet the new hurdle. They were putting out some really good shit. Way better than my stuff, frankly. And here I was getting launched to the finish line by... a throwaway, blurry, hour and a half long, commentary-free, save state abusing playthrough of a crummy Sonic ROM hack? That I had made as a means to a completely separate end?? That got promoted by a computer program for seemingly no reason???

It felt shitty. One of the friends I mentioned in that last paragraph was my longtime friend Fotts who was in the middle of getting their (sadly now dormant) series TAS Force off the ground. They were constantly tweeting about the ordeal of trying to meet the new monetization requirements and it was a damn shame because they were putting in a ton of effort and it was great. The kind of thing I'd watch even if I wasn't friends with anyone on it. It was a million times funnier than anything I was doing, and the complete opposite of my shitty contest video. If there was any justice in this world the views I was getting on this dumpster fire would be going to them. But as it turns out, there is no justice online.

I recalled a conversation I had with them a few years back while they, I, and a group of about 7 or so other friends were all wandering around an Orlando Wal-Mart wearing identical black t-shirts that read "MARVEL CAN SUCK MY COCK" in big block letters (long story). They had actually kind of gone through this sort of thing before. See, they're the uploader and one of the voices of this video you may or may not have seen with 6.5+ million views on it.

They lamented to me many of the laments I was currently lamenting. "This was just a stupid throwaway thing", "why is this so much more popular than the stuff I put effort into", "it's just me making PaRappa the Rapper say the word 'Chinese' over and over". Ok maybe that last one was a bit more specific to them. Anyway, I responded with (and I admit a lot of the reason I felt this way was because I thought and still think the video is funny) something along the lines of "you can't pick what hits for people, it might have been throwaway but at the end of the day you posted it because you thought it was at least a little bit funny, try and focus on the fact that you have a popular video at all rather than the fact it's not one of the videos you're particularly proud of".

But yeah damn turns out that advice is easier said than done when it happens to you, and it's even harder done when it happens to a factually not entertaining video. One you could have uploaded as unlisted and achieved your intended result with. The runaway success of this thing genuinely broke me on this whole "Internet" deal.

I should stress I mean this in a good way. I realized that it's not so much that you can't pick what hits for people, it's that you physically cannot pick what gets put in front of people. The people cannot pick what hits for them. A computer does. You can try and promote and affect what gets seen in your own small sphere of influence, but ultimately we are, on YouTube and on all of our social platforms, at the mercy of a black box of computer programs that I'm not even sure the people who created them understand anymore. I'd obviously known this on some level prior to this video existing, but bearing witness to it all happening firsthand to this video in particular was another thing entirely. Anything prior that I had achieved marginally similar success with (there were a couple that had broken 100k) was meant to be entertaining. It was meant for people to watch and go "I liked that", not for one guy on a forum to see and go "good work solving my maze Superman". I could classify the success as "neat, people liked that one" in my brain. This defied classification.

The only logical conclusion was that it truly didn't matter what I uploaded. It's all decided by a random machine picking things at random to serve random amounts of people, and the people click on it and watch it simply because it is there. You can poke at the machine, prod at the machine, try to guess what the machine likes, try to iterate on something the machine has previously demonstrated that it likes. It's all an effort to get the machine to put it in front of the people who will click it because it is there. That's what all the bigger capital-C Content Creators do. From the high level stuff of "what kind of things do I upload" to the low level minutia of "how many curse words can I say in the first minute", making it Big On Line in any capacity is about trying to appease an unknowable mechanical entity and nothing else. It's either that or you're "old money" in a sense, established before this all became the case.

And again, the bigger names do this. Entire companies do this. If I were "smart" I would have pivoted my entire YouTube channel to nothing but hour and a half long commentary-free bullshit hard ROM hack playthroughs. Maybe another one would hit like this did. But for the life of me I could not and cannot think of anything more soul crushing.

I wouldn't say I had aspirations to be a Big Time YouTube Man, but at that time I would have maybe liked to be a Moderate Size YouTube Man. Or a moderate size Twitch man. Someone who had people watching but was still able to have fun with it and do his own thing. This newfound realization that it was truly a random lottery, even beyond the random lottery that most of human life is, that becoming any size bigger than Small Time was literally decided by an actual factual random number generator, freed me from the desire to do anything that I didn't want to do. If actively chasing success on these modern, algorithmically-driven platforms, actively going after "Kaizo Sonic 2 Full Run" numbers, meant putting aside the things I like and reinventing myself and the things I do down to the minute details in order to appease a literal ghost beyond anyone's understanding or control that changes what it's looking for on a whim, then I did not want to do that. I did not want to keep a timer for when I could talk normal, I did not want to announce my streams on Twitter with the link in a separate reply one day, in an embedded image the next, and in my display name the next. If there is absolutely one thing I do not want to do in my life, it's dance for a robot.

But the most freeing thing about realizing this is that it also meant if I just kept doing stuff I liked, maybe, someday, I could get lucky enough to where the unknowable internet robot would push that in front of a million or so people. In the grand scheme of things it's about an equal chance of that happening on something I like and am proud of versus something I made in a desperate cloying attempt to placate an algorithm.

Anyway damn this got long and rambly sorry about that lol. This was initially meant to just be a little toast to the 5 year-ish anniversary of me fully becoming an Internet nihilist. Remember folks, it's meaningless to chase success in an algorithm dominated landscape. In the words of a certain extremely Normal-type man, "real life isn't all just being true to yourself", but I reject the notion that the Internet is not or should not be, in spite of the legion of ghouls and freaks at the top of the chain actively trying to make that the case every day.

Be true to yourself. Do what you love, make what you love, post what you love, and maybe if you're lucky a computer somewhere will decide it's your turn, because that's the single deciding factor in all of this. In the mean time, you'll end up slowly and naturally surrounding yourself with cool people who get you, if only a little bit. At least that's what's happened for me so far. I've been pretty alright with it.

[masllp]

Physical Verification of Fixed Assets by MASLLP: Ensuring Accuracy and Accountability

For businesses, maintaining an accurate record of fixed assets is crucial for financial reporting, compliance, and operational efficiency. MASLLP, a trusted name in the financial consulting domain, offers expert services for the physical verification of fixed assets, ensuring your business stays organized, compliant, and secure.

What is Physical Verification of Fixed Assets? Physical verification of fixed assets involves systematically checking and validating the existence, condition, and location of assets owned by a business. It is a critical process to:

Identify discrepancies between physical assets and records. Ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Protect against theft, loss, or mismanagement of assets. Why Choose MASLLP for Fixed Asset Verification? MASLLP’s team of experienced professionals ensures a seamless and accurate verification process. Here’s why businesses trust MASLLP:

Comprehensive Asset Audits MASLLP’s experts conduct thorough physical inspections, cross-referencing assets with financial records to identify inconsistencies.

Advanced Tools and Technology Using cutting-edge tools like barcoding, RFID, and asset tracking software, MASLLP ensures precision in the verification process.

Customized Solutions Every business is unique, and MASLLP tailors its asset verification services to align with your organization’s specific needs and objectives.

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Key Benefits of Physical Verification by MASLLP Accurate Financial Reporting Eliminate discrepancies in your financial statements by ensuring all assets are accounted for.

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MASLLP’s Fixed Asset Verification Process

Planning and Preparation Understanding the client’s asset management system. Defining the scope of the verification process.

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Reporting Providing a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations. Why Regular Fixed Asset Verification is Essential Businesses often overlook the importance of regular physical verification, which can lead to:

Inaccurate asset valuation. Missed opportunities for tax benefits. Increased risks of fraud or theft. By partnering with MASLLP, businesses can maintain a robust asset management system and safeguard their investments.

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[bdsmsub67]

[robpegoraro]

No checkmark, no domain name, no problem: other ways to verify your Bluesky self

Please, please, please: Don't leave potential followers on Bluesky guessing about whether that's really you.

As the ongoing flight from Twitter has continued, it’s been heartening to see so many familiar names show up on Bluesky, the Twitter alternative that comes closest to replicating what I liked about Twitter when it wasn’t run by a shitposting billionaire with a toxic social-media diet and a victimhood complex. At least, I think those are familiar names. But because Bluesky’s only equivalent of…

[poppyandzena]

That AI claim is super easy to fact check too. There are dozens of free tools that you can use to detect AI generated papers. Why in the world wouldn’t Saige/Poppy run the emails through Turnitin before blindly believing an anon? The sock puppet email address is super easy to fact check too. There are only a few email services that don’t require 2fa verification. It would be easy to just google the domain the names to see if they’re from one of them.

And anyone with two eyes would understand why sexymegamilkermistress097391@hotmail.com wouldn't have a legitimate complaint to offer to Poppy's clinic compared to her ex, the guest she sexually harassed, and possible clients and other victims.

[mdabutaleb]

ProfitMarc Review – Email Marketing

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[borismann]

Bluesky #ATProtocol uses domain names as user handles. Parker Higgins did a great write up that mostly focuses on the possibilities of what using domains can enable.

“Verification by HTML reflects a web-first mindset, verification by DNS reflects a net-first mindset.”

[nothorses]

I ran into a FB marketplace scam the other day: the account was from 2009, so even though I couldn't see any of his info, I assumed it was probably a real person.

He contacted me about a table I had listed for sale, asked how long I'd had it, then told me he was out of town for business but his brother would pick it up later that day, and what was my address? I said I'd send it when I knew when he was on his way, and gave him my approx location instead. That didn't bother him; all seemed well.

Then he said he would pay me online (still makes sense: most FB marketplace sales are cash lately, but if someone else is picking it up for him, this tracks) and asked for my Zell or Paypal (options: also feels legit). I gave him my phone number for Zelle. He said Zelle wanted my email to confirm, since this was his first time sending money to me.

This is weird. To my knowledge, Zelle won't ask for confirmation of someone's identity via email: you can have your phone number and email registered to two separate accounts. I thought this was kinda weird, but not enough that it fazed me, and I went with it.

I got an email "from Zelle" saying he'd tried to send me the amount I requested for the table, but my account limit was too low because it wasn't a business account. I need to get the guy to send me another $400 "to verify".

Weird. Guy says he got a similar error message, and he's had this problem before because his Zelle is a business account. If I call the support number in the email, they can resolve it.

I call. They say yeah, no problem, we just need him to send you $400 so we can verify and raise the limit on your account for this transaction. We know that sounds kinda sketchy to some people, so we're going to call him and explain it to him as well.

While this is happening I'm googling the "Zelle support" phone number from the email, and can't get anything (because all of the phone number verification services at the top of the search results are all paywalled scams themselves). "Zelle support" says they have him on the phone, and the guy DMs me to say he's sending the $400. I get another email "from Zelle".

Finally I google the "Zelle support" email, which is, very suspiciously, an @gmail.com address. This is super weird; why wouldn't Zelle have their own domain name? Finally I get a bunch of results saying yes, this is a scam, and outlining basically this exact scenario and how it works. I hang up, tell the guy that I know it's a scam (and if it isn't, somehow, he can call Zelle support himself- and/or his bank- and get the money sent back), report him to FB, and block him before he can send me anything else.

I share all of this because I'm usually pretty privvy to scams, but this one got super far with me before I finally clocked it. There's a lot of shit people can do to get around common knowledge about how to identify scams, but imo, the best and most reliable way to identify a scam is the one I should have done way before calling that number: googling phone numbers and email addresses.

It doesn't take a lot of time, it's easy to remember to do it for just about any new contact you make with a number or address, and there aren't a lot of ways to fuck it up. We can't learn every single scam that exists, but contact info for real, actual businesses and organizations is a lot harder to fake.

[inmarketings]

How to Stay Safe from Eat-and-Run Scams with Simple Verification Tools

As online shopping and digital services become more common, so do the risks associated with them. One of the more deceptive forms of fraud today is the eat-and-run scam, where malicious individuals or sites collect money or data and vanish without fulfilling their end of the deal. These scams not only lead to financial loss but also compromise personal information. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech expert to stay safe. With the right verification tools and a few simple habits, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Understanding the Power of Verification

Verification tools are digital safety nets designed to confirm the authenticity of websites, vendors, and transactions. They help you determine whether an 먹튀, trustworthy, and safe to use. From checking domain history to confirming payment security, these tools act as your first line of defense against scams. The best part? Many of them are easy to use, free, and accessible to anyone.

Check the Website’s URL and Security Certificate

The most basic yet essential verification step is checking the website address. Always make sure the site uses HTTPS rather than just HTTP—this indicates the connection is secure and encrypted. You can also click the padlock icon next to the URL to view the site’s security certificate details. If a website lacks this or displays security warnings, it’s a sign to stay away. Scam sites often skip this step or use fake certificates that don't match their domain.

Use Domain Lookup Tools

Eat-and-run scams often use newly created or frequently changed domain names to avoid being tracked. By using domain lookup tools (like WHOIS), you can see when a website was registered and who owns it. A newly created site with hidden ownership information can be a red flag, especially if it claims to be a long-established brand. This quick check only takes a minute and can reveal a lot about the legitimacy of a website.

Search for Independent Reviews

Before engaging with any unfamiliar website, take time to look it up on independent review platforms. Trusted sources like Trustpilot, SiteJabber, or even Google Reviews can give you a real sense of a site's reputation. Be cautious of platforms that have only glowing five-star reviews without any specifics, especially if those reviews all appear within a short timeframe. Authentic reviews typically show a mix of feedback and details about customer experience.

Check for Verified Trust Badges

Legitimate businesses often display trust badges or seals from well-known security companies (like Norton, McAfee, or BBB Accredited Business). These symbols show that the site has passed a security audit. However, scammers can copy these images, so make sure the badge is clickable and leads to a verification page confirming the site’s status. If it’s just a static image with no link, it could be a fake.

Use Browser Security Extensions

There are several free browser extensions that offer real-time warnings about unsafe websites. Tools like Web of Trust (WOT), McAfee WebAdvisor, or Norton Safe Web rate websites based on user feedback and professional analysis. These extensions are simple to install and automatically alert you when a site might be dangerous—giving you a chance to back out before it's too late.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication on Accounts

If you’re signing up for an account on any site—especially one that handles your financial information—make sure it offers and supports two-factor authentication (2FA). This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring not just a password, but a second form of identification, like a text message or app code. While this won’t prevent a scam site from being fraudulent, it can keep your account safe if you’re using verified platforms.

Use Trusted Payment Methods

Never send money through wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or direct bank deposits to unknown vendors. Verified sites will always offer secure and traceable payment methods such as credit cards or well-known digital wallets. These options also make it easier to request a refund if something goes wrong, and they often come with built-in fraud protection.

Report Suspicious Sites

If you come across a potential eat-and-run scam, report it to consumer protection agencies or scam-tracking websites. Platforms like Scamwatch, Better Business Bureau (BBB), or your country’s cybercrime unit help warn others and may take action to shut down fraudulent sites. Every report helps build a safer online environment for everyone.

Conclusion: Stay One Step Ahead

Staying safe from eat-and-run scams doesn't require advanced skills—just a little caution and the right tools. By using simple verification methods like checking domain age, reading authentic reviews, confirming security badges, and enabling two-factor authentication, you can drastically reduce your risk of falling victim. In an age where digital deception is everywhere, being alert, informed, and a bit skeptical is the smartest way to shop and interact online.